There is prime importance attached to Lord Ganesha in the Sanathan Dharma (Hinduism). Lord Ganesha is the elephant head god. As per the Sanathan Dharma there are various Gods with positive energies of different kinds. However, before we pray to the other gods one has to first pray to Lord Ganesha. Such is the magnitude of Lord Ganesha.
The story of how Lord Ganesha from a human figured divine became an elephant head god is quiet a popular one. Although, there are a few of tales told on this the most often heard is as following;
After a prolonged fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha over a big misunderstanding, Lord Shiva cuts off the head of Lord Ganesha. On realizing his folly Lord Shiva rushes to get the head of the first living being he sees, which turns out to be an elephant. Lord Ganesha is brought back to life by Lord Shiva.
Ganesha in whole symbolizes for the supreme energy but in parts also there is deep meaning assigned to Ganesha.
The big head of Ganesha means the one who thinks big.
Big ears of Ganesha signify that he listens to those who call for him.
Small eyes are a sign of Ganesha’s high level of focus and concentration.
Axe for detachment from attachment.
Ganesha with a small mouth depicts that he speaks less.
Only one tusk is to denote that Ganesha means only positive with no negatives.
Big stomach of Ganesha means he can absorb all the good and bad present in the universe.
Most importantly the mouse of Ganesha represents the desire. To remind us that our desire should be in our control otherwise it takes us in control.